COUDERSPORT — Potter County Department of Emergency Services (DES) will host a Skywarn™ training class at 6 p.m. April 25 at the Gunzburger Building, 1 N. Main St. (use door C).
Conducted by the National Weather Service (NWS), the voluntary Skywarn™ spotter program offers the public an opportunity to participate and interact with the local National Weather Service (NWS) office.
Skywarn™ spotters relay critical weather information to their local NWS office, in support of warning and forecast operations. The information they provide routinely helps the NWS forecasters make better/more informed forecasts, and helps them to warn others of impending dangers or hazards.
Anyone can join. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches and nursing homes or those who have a responsibility for protecting others are also encouraged to become spotters.
The upcoming class will cover topics such as thunderstorm development, identifying severe weather features, how to report severe weather and what should be reported, and severe weather safety. The class is free of charge and will last about 2 hours.
Pre-registration is required by April 19 by calling (814) 274-8900, ext. 555 or emailing pcema@pottercountypa.net.
